THEY 'SHINE LIKE THE STARS'

The next two verses of Daniel chapter 13 do even more to help us identify "the holy ones of the Supreme One."  In verse 3 the angels tells Daniel:  "The ones having insight will shine like the brightness of the expanse; and those who are bringing the many to righteousness, like the stars to time indefinite, even forever."  Who are "the ones having insight" today?  Again, the evidence points to the same "holy ones of the Supreme One."  After all, who but the faithful anointed remnant had the insight to discern that Michael, the Great Prince, began standing as King in 1914?  By preaching such truths as this-as well as by maintaining Christian conduct-they have been "shining as illuminators" in this spiritually bedarkened world.  (Philippians 2:15; John 8:12)  Concerning them, Jesus prophesied:  "At  that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father." -Matthew 13:43.

Daniel 12:3 even tells us what work would occupy these anointed Christians in the time of the end.   They would be "bringing the many to righteousness."  The anointed remnant set about gathering the remaining number of the 144,000 joint heirs of Christ.  (Romans 8:16, 17; Revelation 3:4) When that work was completed-evidently by the mid 1930's-they began gathering the "great crowd" of "other sheep."  (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16)  These too exercise faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Therefore, they have a clean standing before Jehovah.  Numbering into the millions today, they cherish the hope of surviving the coming destruction of this wicked world.  During Christ's Thousand Year Reign, Jesus and his 144,000 fellow kings and priests will apply to obedient mankind on earth the full benefits of the ransom, thereby helping all of those exercising faith to shed every last trace of sin inherited by Adam.  ( Peter 3:13; Revelation 7:13, 14; 20:5, 6) In the fullest sense, the anointed  will then share  in "bringing the many to righteousness" and will 'shine like the stars' in heaven.  Do you value the hope of living  on earth under the glorious  heavenly government of Christ and his corulers?  What a privilege it is to share with "the holy ones" in preaching this good news of God's Kingdom! - Matthew 24:14.

Next time: THEY "ROVE ABOUT"

From the book: PAY ATTENTION TO DANIEL'S PROPHECY! 1999